First Semester Novels

Catcher in the Rye: This book was interesting. To be honest, I thought that it wasn’t going to be a good book. However, once we started reading it, I realized that it wasn’t so bad. This book was both entertaining and suspenseful at certain parts. Also, I agree with Spencer when he says that the way that Holden thinks and speaks is interesting. If Holden didn’t act the way that he did in this book, then I feel that this book would be very different. Many of Holden’s decisions were not the best, but because of them, it made the book good. I think that one of Holden's better decisions was the one where he decided to finally go home. I feel that he really needed someone to be there for him. In this case, it was Phoebe. I really liked how in this book, Phoebe was really the main reason that Holden decided not to be the "bad" kid that he used to be.

First They Killed my Father: This novel really taught me how to appreciate the life I live. At first I thought that this book was going to be tough to read, but once I really started reading, I couldn’t stop. This novel was probably my favorite from all of the other books we’ve read. The story of Loung’s life in Cambodia was very interesting. Loung’s many adventures and experiences were very interesting to read about. Also, as Missy said, it’s amazing how Loung is alive and healthy today. I was lucky to have seen her last year in Writer's Week. It was really cool to have to listened to her speak about her life in Cambodia. It is also amazing how she became stronger from this experience.

Inherit the Wind: I agree with Matt when he says that it was interesting that this book was based off of real events. Although this book wasn’t my favorite, it was still a good book to read. In the book, it was a real surprise to me that many people felt so strongly about those who believed in Darwin’s theory. Because most people of this specific town were strong believers in God and they followed what the Bible said, they did not accept people who decided to think something else. Today, because we have freedom of religion, many people are allowed to practice whatever they want. Bert Cates, a believer of Darwin, was not allowed to believe in Darwin’s theories because they were considered untrue. This book had a good message, but for me, it just wasn't that interesting.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: This play was actually good! Because Shakespeare is such an old author, I thought that this play would be just like Romeo and Juliet. Just like Missy said, I was thinking that this book was going to be really hard to translate, and that it would be boring. However, this play was really easy to understand, and it was actually good! I liked how the whole plot line was crazy and at some parts, funny. All of the confusion among the characters made this book better. Also, when we had to read some of the acts by ourselves, I thought that I would have a lot of trouble. But to my surprise, it was super easy. I understood this book from cover to cover, and I enjoyed it.

My Antonia: Before we started reading this book I thought that it was going to be really bad. However, once we started, it was a little rough in the beginning, but once the book went on, it actually wasn't too bad. The beginning of the book had a bumpy start, but I've got to say, once the book went more in depth, it did become more interesting. I agree with Taylor when she said that this book really didn't have a high point. Most of this book was just explaining the life of Jim and Antonia. Even though there were no high points, I still sort of liked this book because it showed how many immigrants had a hard life, and how others didn't. Jim and Antonia both led different life styles, but in the end, they still shared the same memories.